During the 2011-2012 school year, the School Food Service (SFS) Department hosted two health fairs – one at Poinciana Elementary and one at Palm Springs Community Middle. The themes surrounding the health fairs promoted the campaigns set forth by the Produce for Better Health Foundation and the American Dietetic Association’s (ADA’s) “National Nutrition Month”. This year the health fair hosted at Poinciana Elementary School on November 8, 2011 promoted “Fruits & Veggies More Matters” and the health fair hosted at Palm Springs Community Middle on February 15, 2012 promoted “Get Your Plate in Shape”.

Each health fair takes a tremendous amount of time to plan and organize. Chantal Gellermann, SFS Nutrition Educator, took the lead in working with local organizations and internal district departments to make these events fun and educational for the students and faculty involved. In addition to the partnerships, a press release was shared with the community via the District’s Public Affairs Department.

Both health fairs offered a farmers market that was built by Pete Wood, SFS Training Coordinator, to showcase a beautiful array of fresh fruits and vegetables. The produce for the farmers market was made available by a gracious donation from one of the district’s awarded produce vendors Erneston & Sons, Inc. Everyone that attended the health fairs had the opportunity to sample fresh fruits and vegetables and even take produce from the farmers market.

• default_titlePoinciana’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) took an active role in supporting the school’s health fair. The PTA sponsored a poster contest themed “A Picture of Health”. Three students were recognized for their artistic talents during the event. Health fair participants were treated to a lovely student performance of “I like to eat apples and bananas”. In addition, the Palm Beach County Oral Health Coalition in collaboration with the Palm Beach State College offered dental screenings to children whose families opted in. Also Dr. Bender, a local dentist, provided fluoride varnishes to each child who elected to have the dental screening.
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• default_titleDuring the health fair at Palm Springs Community Middle, students representing the following clubs: the orchestra, steel drum band, and jazz band provided entertainment throughout the event. In addition to the wonderful music, students had an opportunity to participate in a poster contest themed “Get Your Plate In Shape”. Three students were honored for their efforts to showcase health and wellness!
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Past “Fruits & Veggies More Matters” and
ADA’s – National Nutrition Month Health Fair Schools